Living Desert announces name of jaguar cub
A philanthropist offered the winning bid to name the jaguar cub that was recently born at The Living Desert. Zoo officials announced the jaguar’s name Friday morning.
Check out more cute photos of baby jaguar
According to the release, The Living Desert’s longtime supporter Donna MacMillan chose to name the male cub, Mema. Mema was born to mother, Magia, and father, Memo on January 26.
Watch: Baby jaguar cub unveiled at The Living Desert
The jaguar cub naming opportunity was offered during a live auction at The Living Desert’s Annual Zoobilee Gala, which was held on March 4. Officials said Ms. MacMillan was the most generous bidder, giving her the opportunity to name the cub.
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“I’m so honored to have been able to name this beautiful cub. I chose the name ‘Mema’ because I felt it was important to combine his mother’s and father’s names,” said Donna MacMillan. “The Living Desert is a special place, and I’m proud to be involved with such an important conservation organization. And what a thrill it was to meet the cub in person!”
On March 22, Mema had his second well-baby exam by the veterinary team. The exam included his first round of vaccinations, as well as listening to his heart and lungs. The cub is healthy, progressing at the expected rate, and now weighs 11.9 pounds (5.4kg). He will continue to bond with mom behind the scenes for the next couple of weeks. Mema and Magia are expected to make their exhibit debut mid-April, according to the zoo’s release.
“We are extremely grateful for our generous supporters and are thrilled that Ms. MacMillan was able to name our newest jaguar cub,” said Allen Monroe, President/CEO of The Living Desert. “We are happy to see that Magia and Mema are doing so well, and we encourage everyone to continue to watch the live JagCam on our website.”
Zoo officials said this is Magia’s second litter; the first, twin boys, Rico and Tesoro, were born April 27, 2014. Seven-year-old mom, Magia, came to the Living Desert in March 2011 from Cameron Park Zoo in Waco, TX; and six-year-old dad, Memo, came to The Living Desert in April 2013 from Parque Summit in Panama. Memo and Magia were brought together by a recommendation of the Species Survival Plan, an international cooperative conservation program, and this birth will help contribute to the future of the species.
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